Sterling Silver and “Banded” Agate Necklace

Sulemaini Agates are revered in the Middle East and Central Asia as high level heirloom beads.  They are believed to have originated as plain agates, the presence of King Soloman turned them into black & white “banded agates” – a symbol of the competing forces of light & darkness, good & evil, health & life to death.  Legends say they have the power to ward off the evil eye, protect from misfortune and illness and bestow the wisdom and good judgement that King Soloman was renowned.  These Sulemaini Agates are from Afghanistan ca. 1920-1940